Queen Creek Council reviews $682.7M budget prioritizing infrastructure and tax relief

The Queen Creek Town Council convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The meeting, led by Mayor Wheatley, began with a roll call confirming a quorum of council members present. The primary focus of the session was the town manager's recommended budget, presented by Bruce Gardner.

Gardner highlighted that this budget process commenced in October 2024 and involved extensive collaboration among the finance team and department directors. The proposed budget totals $682.7 million, with over 52% allocated to infrastructure projects, including transportation, public safety, and water resources. Notably, this budget marks a 6% reduction from the previous year, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage costs amid fluctuating inflation and labor market challenges.

The budget also includes significant tax relief measures, such as the continuation of a property tax freeze for the third consecutive year and the full reduction of a tax repealed by the council last year. These actions aim to alleviate financial burdens on Queen Creek residents while maintaining essential services and infrastructure commitments.

Gardner emphasized the importance of infrastructure in attracting residents and businesses to Queen Creek, which has been the fastest-growing community in Arizona for the past decade. The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide comprehensive information and address any questions from council members regarding the budget.

As the council prepares for further discussions, the proposed budget reflects a strategic approach to sustaining the town's growth and quality of life for its residents.